About the book: 2008 / The rapid development of genetics in the last two decades has been called nothing less than a revolution. Since the 1990s, when fundamentally new methods of DNA research came into practice, each year brings more discoveries than were made in all previous years, starting with the days of Mendel. Genetics is developing so rapidly that it is difficult to keep track of how our ideas are changing Not only the general public, but also specialists, are not keeping up with the fundamental principles of life and heredity. This gives rise to a lot of rumors and speculation about terrible mutants that insidious scientists are churning out in their laboratories, while amazing discoveries of new methods for diagnosing and treating genetic diseases, including cancer, remain unnoticed or misunderstood. Matt Ridley's book is very relevant. The author presented the history of genetics in a simple and accessible way from the first guesses to the stunning breakthrough that began with the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick. The book was published in English at the end of 1999, on the eve of the new millennium. But this book still occupies top positions in sales charts around the world. It has something that does not become obsolete: the spirit of scientific discoveries and the history of genetics, presented with all the drama of disputes, discussions, insights of some scientists and the black envy of others.